Page 84 of The Reluctant Roommate

Morgan gasped. “Linda, no—”

Linda chuckled. “That’s a joke, honey. But I’d get the money for you.”

“Thank you, but I’ll be okay.” She so hoped that was true. “Send over your bank details, and I’ll make the transfer immediately.”

“I will. And, Morgan, honey… You have your home, and your car, and things you need to be comfortable, but I hope you find someone to love, someone who appreciates that big, big heart of yours.”

Morgan was silent. Would she find someone like that? Heidi’s face, framed by her brown hair with the colored streak—currently turquoise—and her warm brown eyes and thick dark lashes. Was Heidi her person? Could she love Heidi? Could Heidi ever love her back? Could two such fundamentally different personalities make it work? Heidi had a big and generous heart. Was there room in it for Morgan?

“Morgan?” Linda said. “Are you okay?”

“I’m doing great. I’m just thinking about love, and what it is.” She heaved a breath. “Maybewhoit is.”

Chapter 38

The Bathroom Decider

Morgan curled on the couch, nursing a hot chocolate and half watching a women’s soccer match from Europe on YouTube. But even the close match and the athletic women on the pitch couldn’t stop her mind from buzzing.

When she finally heard Heidi’s key in the door, it was nearly ten.

“Hey.” Heidi toed her shoes off at the door. “Still up, I see.”

“Yeah. It’s great now I don’t have to ‘work’ in the mornings.”

Heidi grinned. “Neither do I.” She flopped on the couch next to Morgan. “Hot chocolate?” Her eyebrow lifted. “That smells amazing.”

“The box is on the counter, if you want one.”

Heidi bounced up again. “I didn’t until ten seconds ago. Now it’s all I can think of.”

She returned a couple of minutes later with a mug. “Chocolate orange. This is decadent.” She sat next to Morgan again, resting a hand on her knee. “Tell me about your day.”

Where to start?

“Linda called me.”

Heidi snapped to an upright position, and her hot chocolate slopped dangerously close to the rim. “And how is she?”

“She accepted my offer to pay for her surgery. We both got a bit weepy. She said the reason she didn’t accept it earlier was that she knew I’d lost my job and she didn’t want me to get into debt to pay for her surgery. She called the surgeon after speaking with me, and the surgery is now scheduled for next week.”

“I’m so glad.” Heidi remained upright, and her hand squeezed Morgan’s knee. “How do you feel, though?”

“Relieved that someone I love now has the best chance.”

“That’s what it’s all about.” Her hand stroked Morgan’s inner thigh for a moment. “And about her knowing you don’t have a job?”

“I was scared at first. Afraid she’d judge me—but she didn’t. It’s okay, Heidi. She persuaded me to tell Mom and Dad too. I haven’t been able to bring myself to do that yet, but maybe I’ll get there in the future.”

“That’s what families are for. Sharing the good and the bad. My sister Fiona certainly shares the bad about her teenage daughter.”

“I’ve transferred the money for surgery. I have enough for that without selling shares.”

“You’re good people, Morgan Favola.” Heidi took a sip of her hot chocolate and leaned in, and her lips rested on Morgan’s cheek for a moment.

Morgan closed her eyes. It seemed so right, having Heidi kiss her, even a gentle kiss like that. When she pulled away, Morgan missed the touch.

“You’re good people too, Heidi Lincoln.”